After getting home late last night, I noticed that my engine was making an odd type of clicking/scratching sound. Upon further inspection, it appeared to be coming from the drivers side of the engine (RHS), possibly from where the belts are. Is it easy enough to remove the cover and have a look? Are there any problems that this might possibly be?

After getting home late last night, I noticed that my engine was making an odd type of clicking/scratching sound. Upon further inspection, it appeared to be coming from the drivers side of the engine (RHS), possibly from where the belts are. Is it easy enough to remove the cover and have a look? Are there any problems that this might possibly be?

the cover is for the timingbelt, the other 2 belts power steering, and ac/alt are exposed. check them for frayed parts, then check the timing belt. (i dont think it will be the timing belt)

scratching isnt really a sound that i can relate to a motor lol

Upon closer inspection, its a scratching sound, not clicking. None the less, here's a video: http://youtu.be/ydSD6SB34SE

That sounds like a shot bearing, could be in the P/S pump, AC compressor - or worst of all cam bearing. I would get it looked at asap anyway ;)

does it change when the air con in on/off?

does it change when you flash your lights?

does it change when you turn the steering wheel?

other than that, if its not a dry bearing, i would check to see that the harmonic balancer is not touching the plastic timing belt cover. if its not, remove the timing belt cover and see if its louder. if it is a bearing, it will be, as above, the a/c, alt, or p/s. if its louder when you remove the cover, it could be the timing belt tensioner/idler bearing, or more likeley, the water pump bearing.

Cheers for the suggestions. Gave dad a ring and he suggested the screwdriver against the timing belt case trick. I got a long screwdriver out and checked, sure enough the sound was from in there. Does anyone know how much a timing belt bearing is likely to cost?

Cheers for the suggestions. Gave dad a ring and he suggested the screwdriver against the timing belt case trick. I got a long screwdriver out and checked, sure enough the sound was from in there. Does anyone know how much a timing belt bearing is likely to cost?

I had something similar when the CAS wiring got disturbed (don't know how) and was rubbing against one of the belts. Check this while you're in that area, as you'll be immobilised if it wears through.

While the engine is running, gently push on different parts of the plastic cam belt cover. If you find one spot where the sound changes - louder or quieter - then you have found the problem, it's the belt rubbing on the inside of the cover. It's the only time I've heard a noise coming from an engine that sounds like scratching.